Operation Desert Storm or what is popularly known as the Gulf War is one of the most successful US military operations at the end of the Cold War era. This is a war that was sparked by the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq. This was after a lot of tension between Iraq and Kuwait that had Saddam threaten Kuwait with military attacks. Iraq was just out of the war with Iran. But they still had a very strong army. It was also one of the countries with the largest army in the world. This was built with the help of the United States during its eight-year war with Iran.
Operation Desert Storm – Kuwait
On August 2, 1990, Saddam made his threats to Kuwait real when his army invaded this country. The invasion caused uproar worldwide. It was an action that could have impacted negatively on America’s economy, considering that it imported most of its oil from Kuwait. Saddam would have taken control of a fifth of the world’s oil if it had been successful. The Pentagon could not sit and wait for this to continue. Immediately after the invasion, plans were underway to help liberate Kuwait from Iraq. Within a short period, the 82nd Airborne Division as well as 300 Combat aircraft were headed to Saudi Arabia. The US Army was quite fast and ready to start retaliatory attacks to push Saddam out of Kuwait.
Employing some of its best army units like the Armored Cavalry based in Fort Bliss, Texas. The US and allied forces were ready to face Saddam’s army. At the end of September, the US had nearly 200,000 Personnel in Saudi Arabia. A number that was enough to repel the Iraq attacks. There were plenty of the best US divisions including the Airborne Corps, and the 24th Infantry Division. The Third Armored Division with its tanks were employed to make sure that Operation Desert Storm was successful. Most of The American bases were in Saudi Arabia although they were frequently attacked by Saddam’s poisonous missiles.
Saddam’s deadline to leave Kuwait
After the UN Security Council passed a resolution that authorized the use of force to get Iraq out of Kuwait on 29 Nov 1990. Saddam was given until 15 January 1991 to leave Kuwait. He did not comply and thus on the morning of 16 January 1991, the Allied forces led by US Marines started the first phase of Operation Desert Storm. This was called the Desert Shield. The assault targeted the communication network power stations and the presidential palace. The superior US power was overwhelming, and the Iraqi Army had no opportunity to defend itself. It lost easily to any attack by allied forces.
The application of the US GPS technology in Operation Desert Storm was also a great advantage for the Allied forces. They were able to pinpoint their target rather than using confrontational war. The damage done by US air attacks was devastating to Saddam Hussein’s army. Air strikes lasted for 43 days destroying scud missiles, airfields, electrical power, air defences, chemical weapons caches, intelligence assets and all other critical areas.
Ground War and Liberation of Kuwait
After the merciless air attacks, the Allied forces led by the US Marines started the ground war on February 24, 1991. Just after 100 hours of this ground war, American troops declared the total Liberation of Kuwait. The objective of the military was achieved but still, the perpetrator (Saddam) remained free. He still posed a challenge to the stability of Kuwait. Operation Desert Storm ended when Saddam agreed to the terms of the cease-fire agreement.
Military Deployment Rings
Here online you can purchase military rings to commemorate this war. They can be designed to display the dates of involvement in the campaign. Rings are available for all units and branches of the Armed Forces. The styles are traditional and individually unique.
